Sri Lanka U-19 cricketers return in trophy glitter
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is proud to announce the felicitation of the Sri Lanka U- 19 cricketers tomorrow (7) at 8 p.m. at the SLC on their triumphant return home from South Africa in the trophy glitter as the Youth Tri Nation Champions having comprehensively defeated the host country South Africa in the finals.
The exuberant Sri Lanka U-19 cricket team has thus capped a rollercoaster 2016 by coming thumbs up annexing the Youth Tri Nation Trophy in South Africa in January to cap 2017 on a winning note. Led by former Sebistianite Avishka Fernando, Sri Lanka showcased its strong arm at youth level by defeating South Africa in the final by 88 runs. It was a remarkable comeback from behind having lost their first three matches to South Africa before rolling over Zimbabwe in the next three games to qualify for a showdown in the finals with hosts South Africa. Sri Lanka demonstrated all-round potential to demolish South Africa for 79 in 32.4 overs to defend a modest 156 in 44.5 overs. The destroyer was Nipun Ransika with 5 for 19 to walk away with the coveted ‘Man of the Match’ and ‘Man of the Series’ awards in what was a consistent overall performance of 30 wickets.
The youth cricketers have happily for the island nation reaped the rewards in the investment sowed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) with a proud record in 2016. The U-19 XI, then led by Charith Asalanka, the former Richmond College, Galle captain, beat South Africa comprehensively 3-0 in the ODI series, drawing the 2- tests. In July Sri Lanka U-19 XI again led by Akalanka , created history by becoming the first team at that level to beat England in both the ODI and Test series 3-nil and 1-nil respectively.
